Ricki on top of the world as Leitrim runner competes in World Championships

Ricki Wynne was literally on top of the world last Friday when the Drumshanbo AC athlete was the top Irish finisher in the trail long race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck Stubai.

Starting almost at the crack of dawn at 6.32 am local time, Ricki covered the 87 kilometre long race in a time of 11 hours 47 minutes and 22 seconds to take 54th place and first Irish competitor home in an event that attracted top runners from all over the world including France, USA, Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Australia and even Nepal!

The race featured over 6,500m of vertical climbing which, to put some local context on it, is the same as if Ricki had ran up the peak of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantuohill, six times in a row!

Writing on his Facebook page after the race, an obviously enthused Ricki said “The memories that were made this week will never be forgotten! The experience that I’ve gained will never be forgotten and the friendships that I’ve made will never be forgotten, but make no mistake, I will be back and I will be better because as you all well know, I’ll just keep showing up !!!

“I may be 40 now but that doesn’t mean I can’t improve and I can’t keep getting better…. There is no secret sauce and there is no quick fixes! Hard work beats talent all day long and I hope that’s what you see when you look at me! Work hard , train hard and just believe that you’re good enough!!!”

Ricki also finished 65th in the men’s uphill race on Wednesday to complete a busy week for the Leitrim Village resident.